There’s something about water that has always called to me—whether I’m in it, on it, or simply near it. I fished a handful of times as a kid, mostly off the dock at the lake, but I wouldn’t have called myself an angler by any stretch. That changed this past weekend when I had the incredible opportunity to learn the art of fly fishing.
The Trip
Spoken Outdoors had the honor of curating a float on the breathtaking Kootenai River, joining several local firefighters and police officers for a day that was about far more than just catching fish. The morning started with a drive to the put-in point with our chaplain, Tony — part guide, part soul-stirrer, and all-around solid human. By the time we reached the river, introductions were made, laughs were shared, and there was a palpable sense of ease among the group.
Shortly after crossing from Montana into Idaho, my guide from Long Drift Outfitters placed a fly rod in my hand. That moment felt sacred. He unhooked the flies with a kind of reverence and began walking me through the basics of fly casting. I was, in a word, awful. But I was trying — and I was learning.
First Time Fly Fishing
Fly casting surprised me. It wasn’t about force or precision, it was about rhythm, grace, and patience. With every arc of my arm, I imagined rainbows overhead — not just the arc of the line, but the quiet arc of understanding. And then, of course, I got chatty. My form slipped; my arm bent. I tried throwing the line instead of placing it. And just like that, I hooked our guide.
To his credit, he handled it with grace (and a quick shirt check to confirm no serious damage). He coached me back into trusting the rod, trusting the process.
Then came the tug. That first nibble was electric. I remember blurting out, “Wait, what do I do when there’s a fish on?” (I had visions of cartoonish fish-flinging chaos.)
But a minute later — fish on!
I set the hook just like I’d been taught, took a breath, and began working the line. Our guide readied the net as flashes of silver danced beneath the surface. A beautiful rainbow trout — the first catch of the day for our boat. The thrill was real, and the cheers from my boatmates made it even sweeter.
Lost in the River
As the day unfolded, I found myself lost in the rhythm of the river — watching the water, casting my line, and sharing stories. We paused for lunch on a small island, where delicious food and laughter flowed freely. We bonded not just over fish, but over life — its challenges, its joys, and the shared experience of being present in nature.
The afternoon mirrored the morning: more casting, more connection, more peace. The stressors of daily life faded into the background, replaced by the gentle current and the camaraderie of new friends.
By the end of the day, I hadn’t just learned how to cast a fly rod — I had learned to slow down, to be patient, and to find joy in the process.
What a gift. What a river. What a day.
Spoken Outdoors (a 501(c)(3) organization) serves America’s Protectors by hosting events throughout the U.S. focusing on outdoor experiences that educate, stretch boundaries, challenge limits, and create confidence. Sign up for our newsletter, visit our website, and donate today.
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